Why Cappadocia Was Worth the Detour (and How to Make It Work in Your Itinerary)
Cappadocia isn’t just a destination, it’s a dreamscape. Think whimsical rock formations that look like you’re on another planet, ancient cave dwellings, and skies dotted with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons at sunrise.
When I planned this summer’s trip with my mom, Cappadocia wasn’t originally on the itinerary. We were heading to Istanbul before boarding AmaWaterways’ Gems of Eastern Europe river cruise, but the idea of tacking on a few days in central Turkey kept calling to me. While I’m really scared of heights, I just had to experience the balloon ride. I’m glad we listened to the call. Those three nights in Cappadocia ended up being one of the most magical parts of our entire journey.
Don’t leave it off your trip to Turkey!
What Makes Cappadocia Worth It
Hot Air Ballooning — Floating above the valleys at sunrise is as close to a bucket-list “pinch me” moment as it gets. The soft light, the landscape below, and the quiet hum of the balloon—it’s unforgettable. Make sure you stay a few nights in case weather conditions make you miss a day and you gave yourself two other mornings to fly. It does happen.
Otherworldly Landscapes — From the fairy chimneys of Göreme to the red cliffs of the Rose Valley, Cappadocia looks like nowhere else on earth. The area is separated into two areas that you can split into two days so you can take your time.
Living History — Walking through the Göreme Open-Air Museum’s rock-hewn churches, crawling into the underground villages, gives you a window into centuries of history carved into the land itself.
Textiles & Shopping — If you love artisans and craftsmanship, the pottery and carpets are created from generations of teachings and masters keeping the traditions alive. The clothing also has hand-stitched work that is another perfect for you or someone back home. With our guide, we had insider knowledge on where to buy and not get ripped off. We got to find the real quality work, and living history through these people.
Unique Stays — Sleeping in a luxury cave hotel was an experience in itself. Natural stone walls, cozy alcoves, and beautiful terraces perfect for sunset. If you’re going in the warmer season, you want to get a hotel with a pool.
Making It Work Logistically
We visited Cappadocia before Istanbul, which worked perfectly. As a travel advisor, I tapped into my network to work with the best: ITEM Travel. I recommend you work with destination experts for many reasons and moving parts:
Flights: We flew directly from the U.S. into Istanbul, then connected on a short domestic flight (about 1.5 hours) to Nevşehir Airport (Kayseri is another nearby option).
Transfers: Pre-arranged airport transfers to our hotel made the arrival seamless. Both airports are pretty far, so you’re driving about 45 minutes to over an hour. You don’t want to wing it, and navigate unfamiliar territory when you arrive.
Guided Tours: With my mom in her 70s, having a private guide and driver allowed us to explore at our own pace, take breaks, and focus on the highlights.
Pacing: We stayed three nights, which gave us two full days of exploring with downtime to relax at the hotel.
Where to Stay: Avantgarde Refined, Argos, The Kingdom Of Cappadocia Luxury Cave Hotel, Museum Hotel
We stayed at the Avantgarde, which is relatively new. It’s design is modern while integrating the landscape with wonderful design. The big bonus was the hotel dog named Brownie, instantly in love. The other hotels are amazing, however, they will have a more traditional Turkish design so it’s a point of preference.
Packing Tip: Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and good walking shoes. At night it can get chilly or early for the balloon ride, you will want a sweater or layers.
Why It Worked for Multigenerational Travel
Cappadocia might look rugged, but with the right planning, it’s surprisingly accessible. Our tours offered gentle walking options, and there was always the flexibility to skip a stop or take a slower route. The combination of incredible sights and comfortable pacing made it just as enjoyable for my mom as it was for me.
If you’re headed to Turkey, don’t treat Cappadocia as a “maybe someday” destination. With a little logistical planning, it’s not only doable. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked.
The best way to plan it? With a trusted travel advisor, of course. Reach out as I have the perfect local team ITEM Travel. All you want to have to do is show up and be awe-inspired!
